The Science Behind Empathy and Empaths

As a psychiatrist and an empath, I am fascinated by how the phenomenon of empathy works. I feel passionately that empathy is the medicine the world needs right now.

Source: Judith Orloff MD

Empathy is when we reach our hearts out to others and put ourselves in their shoes. However, being an empath goes even farther. Like many of my patients and myself, empaths are people who’re high on the empathic spectrum and actually feel what is happening in others in their own bodies. As a result, empaths can have incredible compassion for people—but they often get exhausted from feeling “too much” unless they develop strategies to safeguard their sensitivities and develop healthy boundaries.

In my book, “The Empath’s Survival Guide” I discuss the following intriguing scientific explanations of empathy and empaths. These will help us more deeply understand the power of empathy so we can utilize and honor it in our lives.

1. The Mirror Neuron System

Researchers have discovered a specialized group of brain cells that are responsible for compassion. These cells enable everyone to mirror emotions, to share another person’s pain, fear, or joy. Because empaths are thought to have hyper-responsive mirror neurons, we deeply resonate with other people’s feelings. How does this occur? Mirror neurons are triggered by outside events. For example, our spouse gets hurt, we feel hurt too. Our child is crying; we feel sad too. Our friend is happy; we feel happy too. In contrast, psychopaths, sociopaths, and narcissists are thought to have what science calls “empathy deficient disorders.” This means they lack the ability to feel empathy like other people do, which may be caused by an under-active mirror neuron system. We must beware of these people because they are incapable of unconditional love.

2. Electromagnetic Fields

The second finding is based on the fact that both the brain and the heart generate electromagnetic fields. According to the HeartMath Institute, these fields transmit information about people’s thoughts and emotions. Empaths may be particularly sensitive to this input and tend to become overwhelmed by it. Similarly, we often have stronger physical and emotional responses to changes in the electromagnetic fields of the earth and sun. Empaths know well that what happens to the earth and sun affects our state of mind and energy. Similarly, we often have stronger physical and emotional responses to changes in the electromagnetic fields of the earth and sun. Empaths know well that what happens to the earth and sun affects our state of mind and energy.

3. Emotional Contagion

The third finding which enhances our understanding of empaths is the phenomena of emotional contagion. Research has shown that many people pick up the emotions of those around them. For instance, one crying infant will set off a wave of crying in a hospital ward. Or one person loudly expressing anxiety in the workplace can spread it to other workers. People commonly catch other people’s feelings in groups. A recent New York Times article stated that this ability to synchronize moods with others is crucial for good relationships. What is the lesson for empaths? To choose positive people in our lives so we’re not brought down by negativity. Or, if, say a friend is going through a hard time, take special precautions to ground and center yourself. These are important strategies you’ll learn in this book.

The fourth finding involves dopamine, a neurotransmitter that increases the activity of neurons and is associated with the pleasure response. Research has shown that introverted empaths tend to have a higher sensitivity to dopamine than extraverts. Basically, they need less dopamine to feel happy. That could explain why they are more content with alone time, reading, and meditation and need less external stimulation from parties and other large social gatherings. In contrast, extraverts crave the dopamine rush from lively events. In fact, they can’t get enough of it.

The fifth finding, which I find particularly compelling, is the extraordinary state called “mirror-touch synesthesia.” Synesthesia is a neurological condition in which two different senses are paired in the brain. For instance, you see colors when you hear a piece of music or you taste words. Famous synesthetics include Isaac Newton, Billy Joel, and violinist Itzhak Perlman. However, with mirror-touch synesthesia, people can actually feel the emotions and sensations of others in their own bodies as if these were their own. This is a wonderful neurological explanation of an empath’s experience.

The Dali Lama says, “Empathy is the most precious human quality.” During these stressful times, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Even so, empathy is the quality that will get us through. It will enable us to respect one another, even if we disagree. Empathy doesn’t make you a sentimental softy without discernment. It allows you to keep your heart open to foster tolerance and understanding. It might not always be effective in getting through to people and creating peace but I think it’s the best chance we have.

I love the article. Kind of surprised the field is even interested in this subject.
Thought it might be helpful to express how my empathy works. Just another point of view of many.

Yes i do cry a lot when watching an upsetting movie or TV series. Only in private though.
I saw two TV series done by Netflix which you might be familiar with , 13 reasons why and Anne with an E. And others.
My friend tends to like horror movies and one we were watching involved not horror but torture. i told him to turn it off or i was leaving.

On the flip side. I have the opposite type of empathy also that i do not hear much about and that is that i can feel some one else's pleasure. Especially if i am the one that is that source of pleasure. Perhaps you would prefer the word happy. There is a biblical ( just quoting not religious. ) saying that there is more happiness in giving than receiving . And i can definitely relate to that literally. It makes me feel 100 times as good to give something to some one else than buy myself a gift.

Also to explain what i feel when i feel some one else's pain is interesting. When that happens i feel both pain and pleasure. The pleasure comes from a deep intimate connection i experience with another human being. However the feeling that tops them all is when i can actually help a person who is in pain.

The third aspect of being an empath (not the mythical one) i can read people by reading their emotions. Although i have no education in psychology i have psychoanalyzed some friends by listening to them and was able to tell what they were feeling based not on the content of what they said but how they said it. This allowed me to quickly point out the crux of the problem. Works quite well pity i never up therapy as an occupation.

I have been a highly sensitive Empath all my life i have suffered a GREAT deal. Through praying consistently and asking God for guidence it has opened Me up to being fully aware of this Gift. You must water the garden to help it grow. If You do not water then there will be NO growth. This isn't something that goes away so use Your natural gift to help the world like I am. With that You will see GREAT rewards I promise.